Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, left, speaks with Celtics forward Jayson Tatum during the second half of their NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) AP

Head coach Joe Mazzulla said Wednesday afternoon that Tatum, who is out for the foreseeable future after rupturing his right Achilles at the end of Game 4, sent a message to players and Celtics staffers with the team down 3-1 to the Knicks. When pressed on what Tatum actually said, Mazzulla seemingly bristled.

Before they can think of a rematch vs. Indy in the 2024 East Finals, they will need to win Game 6 on the road -- and then Game 7 at home.

NEW YORK — The Knicks weren’t ready for their prime time moment in Game 5 at TD Garden, unable to end a two-decade drought of reaching the Eastern Conference Finals despite facing a Celtics team without injured star Jayson Tatum.

The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks have renewed their rivalry in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. New York is one win away from its first Eastern Conference finals appearance since 2000.

Live from what’s sure to be a raucous Madison Square Garden crowd, the New York Knicks host the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of their second-round matchup! What. A. Series. From countless fourth-quarter theatrics by Jalen Brunson to the Celtics defeating New York by 25 without Jayson Tatum in a must-win Game 5,